Our services: cohabitation
National statistics show that fewer couples are marrying. Increasingly, unmarried couples who are either contemplating living together or separating need legal advice to plan for their financial futures and in relation to children from the relationship.
Cohabitation law is complicated and very different from the law governing divorce. A number of cases heard by the Appeal Courts have demonstrated the complexity of the law involved in resolving financial issues when the relationship of an unmarried couple breaks down.
It is still unusual for couples to make agreements anticipating the possible breakdown of their relationship. However, where cases have gone through the courts, judges have repeatedly stated that had the couple taken legal advice and made written agreements prior to living together, the huge cost of the proceedings could have been avoided.
Judges and lawyers are therefore recommending that individuals take early legal advice, prior to living together, in order to minimise problems which may occur later.
We can advise on, and prepare, cohabitation or living together agreements, which set out the financial contributions made by the individuals and how the finances will be divided on separation. By entering into such agreements, significant legal costs can be avoided if the relationship breaks down.
We can also advise and provide legal representation, either when problems occur where an agreement has been made or if there is no agreement.
For further details or an appointment, please call:
- Michael Brady at our Cirencester office on 01285 654875
- Janice Leyland at our Gloucester office on 01452 508800.
